 At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was called on to deliver a special address. This speech, delivered in January in the Swiss Alps, generated significant buzz, both domestically and internationally. Alexander Stubb, the President of Finland, praised it as a “deep analysis of the change in the world order.”
In his talk, Carney stated that “the story of the international rules-based order was partially false.” He mentioned that Canada benefited from the international rules-based order, but recognized that power, not principle, set its terms. He pointed out that “the strongest would exempt themselves when convenient” and that international law was unfairly applied “depending on the identity of the accused or the victim.” In his sober analysis of the biased international rules-based order, he acknowledged “this bargain does not work.” Carney emphasised that the world was going through a “rupture” of the international rules-based order, which supported the United State’s “hegemony.” In this address, Carney outlined how Canada was building its strategic autonomy while maintaining its values of human rights and autonomy. He named Canada as one of the world’s “middle powers” and called on these middle powers to work together to build a more cooperative and fairer international order. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s words were remarkable. Often at the World Economic Forum, the leaders of the Western world give sales pitches asking for more investment in their countries, and while Carney did that too, he was uncharacteristically candid in saying that the world has fundamentally changed. However, it has been over two months since that speech. The actions Carney and his Liberal government have taken starkly contrast with the words he spoke in Davos. In fact, Carney has instead taken every opportunity to continue upholding U.S. hegemony and, by extension, the Global North’s superiority over the Global South. Recently, the Carney-led Liberal government had the opportunity to back up the Prime Minister’s words at the World Economic Forum with actual action. Bill C-233, also called the “No More Loopholes Act” presented one such opportunity for Canada to break away from the U.S.-led international order. This bill would have ended exemptions from Canada's export-control regime for weapons and ammunition headed to the United States. Currently, the United States is the only country that can re-export Canadian military products without obtaining the Canadian government's approval. These weapons have been proven to flow to Israel, which is committing a genocide in Gaza, occupying parts of Lebanon, and fighting an illegal war against Iran, according to many human rights organization, including Amnesty International. 295 MPs voted against this bill, which would have closed this loophole allowing Canadian-made weapons to be used for human rights crimes. This is not the only action Canada has taken to continue to uphold U.S. hegemony since Carney’s Davos address. After the United States and Israel’s illegal attacks on Iran, Canada announced additional sanctions for Iran. This showcases how Canada continues to be the lackey of U.S. imperialism, rather than a defender of international law. Mark Carney’s address in Davos was refreshing. It was good to see a leader of a prominent Western nation acknowledge the U.S.-centric bias in the international order. However, acknowledgment is no longer simply enough for Canadians. Sixty-four percent of Canadians believe Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza, yet Canada continues to support the U.S.’ foreign policy of unending support for Israel, despite its numerous human rights violations. Fifty-eight percent of Canadians oppose the U.S. and Israeli bombing of Iran, yet the Carney government continues to support their war. It is time for Canada’s actions to follow the Prime Minister’s address in Davos. Canada must support the “rupture” of the international rules-based order and break away from U.S. hegemony. |
